Two sources close to negotiations confirmed that legislation is being crafted that would enable local governments to set up their own stadium authorities — a mechanism that would allow the Bears to escape paying property taxes altogether.
House Democrats went to a private caucus ahead of a vote on an amended megaprojects bill that could help the Chicago Bears move to Arlington Heights. Democrats also wanted to consider a constitutional amendment to tax millionaires this week. Both bills have thin margins toward passage.
Even as state leaders sang the praises of FFA and enjoyed baskets filled to the brim with Illinois agriculture products, they were noncommittal on a longstanding idea that aims to help family farmers: estate tax reform.
